The Lexus GS series is an executive car in the mid-luxury class. From its inception, it was designed as a performance sedan, evolving into one powered by six- and eight-cylinder engines in a luxury package. Although initially released in Japan as the 1991 Toyota Aristo, the first-generation GS only entered other markets wearing its Lexus brand name in 1993.
Lexus wanted to show that a Japanese manufacturer can go head-to-head in the luxury car segment long dominated by the industry leaders BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar. So it launched the IS to rival the compact luxury sedan class like the BMW 3-Series, while the LS series was to compete with the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class. Lexus needed a competitor for the BMW 5-Series, and so the GS series was developed.
The performance-oriented GS series was designed and produced as a front-engine rear-wheel-drive car. The GS designation stands for Grand Sedan, but some Lexus dealers refer to it as the Grand Sport.
First Generation GS (S140), 1991-1997
The first-generation GS was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and launched by its first model, the GS300. Its overall exterior design resembled the LS400, the flagship and debut model for the Lexus brand. The GS300 was powered by the 3.0L 2JZ-GE (168 kW/ 280 N⋅m), the same iconic engine that was in the Toyota Supra.
The GS300 held the slot between the front-wheel-drive ES Series and the flagship LS models, with standard equipment that included walnut-wood-trimmed centre console, leather seats, and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Additional features, such as a moonroof, traction control, Nakamichi premium stereo system, and a12-CD auto disc changer, were available as options.
Second Generation GS (S160), 1997-2005
The second-generation GS models were the first Lexuses offered in Australia and most other countries. The design was done in-house and primarily based on the High-Performance Sedan concept car unveiled at the 1997 Detroit Auto Show.
Exterior styling featured quad headlights following the Lexus SC coupe’s layout and reminiscent of the sixth-generation Toyota Celica. The interior featured leather and walnut wood trims, an upgraded stereo system, and an electroluminescent Optitron gauge cluster.
The GS300 (JZS160) was powered by an improved 3.0L 2JZ-GE inline-6 (166 kW/ 298 N⋅m), the only engine option sold directly in Australia and for most other countries. The Japanese market received a twin-turbocharged version designated JZS161, which was exclusively sold there. The US market received another version named the GS400 (UZS160) with a 4.0L 1UZ-FE V8 (224 kW/ 420 N⋅m).
In 2000, the GS series received a facelift that included steering wheel shift buttons and more interior wood trims. The exterior gained a redesigned grille with an option for tinted Xenon headlights. A new engine 4.3L 3UZ-FE V8 (224 kW/ 441 N⋅m) powered the new GS, now designated as the GS430 (UZS161). The Australian-facelifted GS300 had a designation of JZS160R.
A special edition GS300 Sport Design was also introduced for the US market in 2000 with a limited run of only 3,300 units. These models inherited the sport suspension from the GS430 with polished alloy wheels and wider tyres. The interior received perforated leather upholstery, brushed aluminium trims and dark stained walnut trim.
Third Generation GS (S190), 2005-2011
In the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled the concept for the GS series called the LF-S. The third-generation GS mirrored this LF-S Concept except for the glass roof, side cameras and windshield cleaning system. The GS series, still powered by V6 and V8 engines, now included an all-wheel-drive option and a hybrid.
The very modern and luxurious interior was available in ash leather with black bird's eye maple trim, cashmere leather with brown bird's eye maple trim or black leather with walnut trim. This generation was also the first to use the Lexus SmartAccess keyless system with a push-button start feature.
For safety, the GS came with dual front airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, and front-row side torso airbags with rear side torso airbags offered as an option. The anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and vehicle stability control are now standard features on all models. The GS line third-generation also had the Electric Power Steering (EPS) for all the models, and the V8 models came with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB). For the first time, the Adaptive Variable Suspension was installed on the GS430 making this the first Toyota / Lexus car to use this technology that senses road conditions and adjusts the suspension stiffness to provide excellent cornering ability and comfort.
The V6-powered GS300 (GRS190R) in Australia was available as Base, Sport and Sport luxury, all powered by the 3.0L 3GR-FSE V6 (188 kW/ 310 N⋅m) with a 6-speed automatic (5-speed for the base model on initial release) and was available only in rear-wheel drive. New trim versions joined the range in 2011 badged as GS300 X Sport and X Sport Luxury. The US/Japan-spec GS300 versions had the same engine and were available in both RWD (GRS190) and AWD (GRS195).
The GS350 was not sold in Australia and was available only in the US, Japan, and other select countries. Powered by the 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 (226 kW/ 371 N⋅m) and coupled to a 6-speed automatic, the GS350 was available as either RWD (GRS191) or AWD (GRS196).
The GS430 (UZS190) Sport Luxury was available in Australia and most other countries. It had a 4.3L 3US-FE V8 (216 kW/ 434 N⋅m) engine under its hood, teamed up with a 6-speed automatic transmission in RWD configuration. This model was only available until 2008.
The GS450h (GWS191) was the first hybrid version of the GS series and the first mass-produced luxury hybrid car. Power was supplied by a 3.5L 2GR-FS V6 with an electric motor (218 kW/ 368 N⋅m) and coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The US and Japan versions produced a maximum output of 253 kW and 490 Nm, with a US EPA-rated highway fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100km and city fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km.
The GS460 (URS191) replaced the GS430 from 2008 onwards, equipped with a 4.6L V8 1UR-FE (255 kW/ 460 N⋅m) paired to an 8-speed automatic. It boasted of a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds and came with the Active Stabilizer Suspension System that further improved its handling characteristics.
The series received a mid-cycle refresh in 2008 that included a revised front bumper, headlights, side mirror turn signals and grille. New exterior colours and wheel options were also on offer, along with interior updates that included a new steering wheel, trim pieces and instrumentation.
Fourth Generation GS (L10), 2011-2015
Lexus presented the fourth and current generation of the GS series at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2011. The overall size of the fourth generation didn't change much from the previous. The exterior styling still had the sleek profile and retained its luxurious, sporty look. Based on the LF-Gh concept which stands for Lexus Future Grand-Touring Hybrid, the new GS initially didn't have the spindle-shaped grille but was incorporated during the 2015 facelift.
A revamp upgraded the interior (either standard or optional) and enhanced safety, comfort, convenience, and driving experience. Leather and wood trims adorned the interior, blending tastefully with luxury touches that have become a Lexus signature in all its models.
For the 2012 model year, Australia and most other countries were treated to a host of engine and trim versions. The GS250 (GRL11) F Sport, Luxury and Sport Luxury came with the 2.5L 4GR-FSE (154 kW/ 253 N⋅m) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The GS350 (GRL10) was available in F Sport, Luxury and Sport Luxury trims, all fitted with the 3.5L 2GR-FSE (228 kW/ 376N⋅m) mated to a 6-speed automatic. The GS450h (GWL10) was available as Hybrid, Hybrid F Sport Hybrid Luxury and Hybrid Sports Luxury and came with the 3.5L 2GR-FXE with electric motor (218 kW/ 490 N⋅m) and coupled to a two-stage CVT.
In 2013, Lexus introduced the GS300h hybrid in Hybrid F Sport, Hybrid Luxury and Hybrid Sports Luxury trim levels. A 2.5L 2AR-FSE with electric motor (164 kW/ 221 N⋅m) powered this variant, the same powerplant installed on the third-generation Lexus IS. The US market did not receive this version. Europe, on the other hand, received this GS release powered by the same engine but with two electric motors.
Fourth Generation GS, Mid-Cycle Refresh, 2015-Present
The mid-cycle refresh of the fourth-generation GS was introduced in 2015 and sported the new corporate grille called the 'Spindle'. The whole front fascia was redesigned, including the side panels. The interior was also updated and now integrated with the latest Lexus infotainment system.
A new offering is the GS-F (URL10), powered by a 5.0L 2UR-GSE V8 (351 kW/ 530 N⋅m) and coupled to an 8-speed automatic. In Australia, the trim variants were the GS-F, GS-F Alcantara and the GS-F Aniline. The GS-F is currently sold as GS-F Semi-Aniline Trim, +EP1, +EP2, +EP3. In 2019, Lexus perked up the GS range with a GS-F 10th Anniversary Edition. The GS-F is now the top-of-the-line model for the GS series and is primed to take on the likes of the BMW M5 and the Maserati Ghibli S Q4. It could accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and achieve a max track speed of 270 km/h. On top of all those impressive numbers is the green label that certifies it as an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV).
Another new model for this year is the GS200t (ARL10) powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 8AR-FTS I4 (180 kW/ 350 N⋅m) with an 8-speed automatic. The GS200t is sold in either F Sport or Luxury trim.
The GS350 (GRL12) was updated in 2016 and is now powered by a 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (233 kW/ 378 N⋅m). Other countries received the GS350 All-Wheel Drive (GRL16) which was powered by the same engine but equipped with a 6-speed automatic.
In 2018, the GS300 F Sport and Luxury joined the line-up, powered by the 2.0L 8AR-FTS (180 kW/ 350 N⋅m) and equipped with an 8-speed automatic.
Looking into the Future of the GS
Lexus aimed for the GS-Series to compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. From its inception to date, it hasn't quite produced the outcome that Lexus had sought, failing to outperform its competitors in terms of sales and popularity. With the current versions, the GS-F particularly, would it now be poised to take on the competition and prevail?
The current generation of the Lexus GS is replete with luxury items and up-to-the-minute technology that bring it to the level of the Lexus flagship models in a smaller overall package. When it comes to speed and acceleration, the GS is not as much a performer as its competitors (except for the 4th generation GS-F and the 1st generation with the Supra engine).
To its credit, however, it manages to hold its own in comfort, convenience, ease of driving. Most of all, it has gained respect for its reliability and has carved a niche of its own. Buyers looking for a comfortable, elegant, stylish and dependable Japanese-made sedan have been very satisfied with the Lexus range, which incidentally also offers one of the best customer services in the industry.
If you are interested in the Lexus GS series, from the first generation to the fourth, visit us at Carpart.com.au. We are your one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs, whether you're buying or selling cars or auto parts.
Fred Cajulis